Gov. Christie to use fund for replacing destroyed trees to keep N.J. parks open during summer

John O'Boyle/The Star-LedgerNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in this February 2010 file photo.TRENTON -- The Christie administration has reaffirmed the governor’s commitment to keeping state parks open this summer, but said today that will be accomplished by taking money from a fund for replacing trees destroyed by state construction projects.

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin told the Assembly Budget Committee his department will use $10 million from the state’s Shade Tree and Community Forest Preservation License Plate Fund to make up for lost state funding.

The fund was created in 1996, when a special "forestry" license plate was created to raise money for forest preservation. It became the depository for a larger source of money under the state’s 2001 No Net Loss Act, which requires state agencies to replace or donate funds to replace trees destroyed by state construction projects.

"The parks will stay open, period, . . . so that the struggling New Jersey families have an affordable, in-state place to vacation this summer," Martin said.

"It’s a noble effort to keep the parks open," Greenwald said. "At the same time, there is a statute that says what the purpose is for these funds. ... I wouldn’t call this discretionary money for us to just be able to move this way."

Martin said $10 million will used this year and $10 million next year, but he hopes it will become unnecessary in the future as the economy improves and parks generate new revenues, possibly by improving concession operations, such as food sales and boat rentals.

The DEP has seen its staffing and funding cut in recent years. The department currently has 2,950 employees compared to 3,700 in 1995. Last year, the department received about $455 million in state funds. In his 2011 budget, Gov. Chris Christie has proposed $380 million for the DEP, a $38 million reduction.